Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo called for the guarantees to be respected and reiterated that bilateral relations are maintained.
Bilateral relations are maintained.
Given the complex and confusing panorama experienced in Venezuela on this Thursday, January 9, with the opposition marches, The Colombian Government expressed its concern about the increase in complaints about human rights violations.
“The Government of Colombia expresses its deep concern and energetic rejection given the increase and severity of reports of human rights violations that are taking place in Venezuela in the run-up to the events of the demonstrations,” said Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo.
Besides, He reiterated that in the absence of the delivery of the electoral records on the results of the presidential elections, Colombia does not recognize the victory of Nicolás Maduro, but clarified that this does not affect relations between both nations.
“The government of Colombia has adopted a coherent and prudent position. The past electoral process did not provide guarantees to the participants, nor was it carried out in a transparent manner in accordance with the provisions of the laws and the constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. “They were not free elections,” said Murillo.
“We develop the bilateral relationship with Venezuela from a State vision. From the differences and coincidences we will continue to strengthen the mechanisms of binational dialogue of the peoples”he added.
According to the chancellor, it is vital that the close economic, commercial, social, cultural, humanitarian and security relationship that impacts citizens of both countries prevails. “Colombia has responsibly decided to maintain bilateral relations with Venezuela, which does not mean an endorsement of the electoral results,” he stated.
He also recalled that closing borders and breaking relations with Venezuela is useless and affects the entire country, especially the millions of Colombians who live on the border.
“We reaffirm the principles that guide the bilateral relationship and our country’s interest in contributing to peace, well-being and regional stability. The easy thing is to break relationships and close borders. The responsible thing is to consider the long-term impact on people,” the diplomat said.
Source: Integrated Information System
